Start/run issues with the m25c3 tohatsu 25 2 stroke

[Kade c]

So I recently came across a good deal on a jon boat and with the boat came a 1999 25 hp 2 stroke m25c3 . It wasn’t running when I picked it up strictly bc the bolts to hold the pull rope was removed and put in a different engine . When I picked it up I replaced all the fuel lines , checked the diaphragm which looked great, and went ahead and replaced the water pump and gear lube and what not . It’s ran ever since I got it back together but had a problem at idle and took upwards of ten pulls to start. I figured it could be the carb needed rebuilt so I ordered a kit and ended up not being able to get half the stuff in the carb off due to how corroded it was . Looks like it’s never been apart . So I ordered a new carb and installed it the other day. Well now the issue is if I get it to start ,which is hard on its own , It still won’t idle but now it will run for a few and then bogg until it shuts off . And if I attempt to put it in gear it immediately Boggs and shuts down.
Spark plugs are in good shape (one of the spark plug wires plastic coverings that go on the end of the plug has a crack but it’s behind the rubber boot )
I guess a few question I may have due to so many condescending answers is
1.is there a rough around about set for my air fuel screw to start and work my way from.
2. Could that crack have anything to do with anything (I figured as long as it’s covered it should be fine )
3. What is the exact spark plug gap because I’m seeing so many different answers .
I have downloaded a parts and maintenance book but every m25c3 I see its saying 03 and newer and I reached out to tohatsu them self and they identified it as a 99. Is there a big difference or are they all fairly the same . This is the two piston . Any help would be great just ready to get back on the water without worrying I’ll be stuck

 

[CaptnKingfisher]

1.is there a rough around about set for my air fuel screw to start and work my way from.
2. Could that crack have anything to do with anything (I figured as long as it’s covered it should be fine )
3. What is the exact spark plug gap because I’m seeing so many different answers .

1. Never worked on a tohatsu so I cant tell you for sure where to start. I would start at one turn out, if it won't start then try 2 turns out and so on. Once you get the thing running you can tune it like you would any other carb. If you want instructions just ask.
2. If you have a damaged spark plug wire, then replace it. If you want to diagnose if this is your problem, try starting the outboard in the dark with the cover off and observe the cracked plug boot. If you see bright flashes of light then it's arcing and likely suspect. Regardless, I would replace the wires if you see damage.
3. 0.04" or 1.0 mm

 

[Kade c]

1. Never worked on a tohatsu so I cant tell you for sure where to start. I would start at one turn out, if it won't start then try 2 turns out and so on. Once you get the thing running you can tune it like you would any other carb. If you want instructions just ask.
2. If you have a damaged spark plug wire, then replace it. If you want to diagnose if this is your problem, try starting the outboard in the dark with the cover off and observe the cracked plug boot. If you see bright flashes of light then it's arcing and likely suspect. Regardless, I would replace the wires if you see damage.
3. 0.04" or 1.0 mm

Awesome didn’t think about the starting in the dark. I definitely do want to replace them and will be soon since parts are cheep but just was trying to take care of one thing at a time . Really appreciate it !

 

[MattFL]

It sounds like it's running lean, did you buy an OEM carburetor or aftermarket? Double check for air leaks. Also a bad spark plug can make it act lean, replace the spark plugs. A crack in the cap can also cause problems, don't bother trying to fix it, replace the cracked cap.